Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture

Lucy · Post by **Lucy** » Sat Aug 03, 2002 5:02 pm

Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Dear All I know we had some messages on the old board regarding this but thought I would start a new message. I have asked the site designers if we can have an alternative therapies section of the site that covers things like Acupuncture, Reflexology and Chinese medicine in regard to infertility. I had my first appointment with Dr Zhai who is recommended as the person so see if you have infertility problems she has been written about in Pathways to Pregnancy and Issue and has had positive results. As far as we are aware our infertility is down to my husbands low sperm count. But with 5 failed ICSI treatments there must be something else that is not working on my side. The Dr said that she would treat me first with Herbs and Acupuncture before treating DH. She said there was no point getting DH ready, if I was not right, which makes sense really with all the drugs I have pumped into myself and all the stress from all the bloody ICSI over the past few years. So I am now on a Chinese herbal brew that is possibly the foulest thing I have ever had to drink twice a day. It has to be soaked and boiled for nearly an hour. Plus every two weeks I am going to have some acupuncture. My Dr really went through all my notes from my fertility clinic and also sent me for some blood tests, plus I am keeping one of those temperature charts (did that 5 years ago at the start of investigations on why we were not conceiving) so I feel really taken care of which is probably what I need. The only problem is getting the evil brew down – still if it is my last chance then I am going to grab it. I am going to have one more attempt at ICSI when the Dr feels that I am ready and when she has worked on DH so who knows what miracles will happen. My only feeling on all of the above is I wish I had seeked out this help, before getting to desperation point and spending a fortune. Wishing you all loads of luck Lucyx

fiona_lk · Post by **fiona_lk** » Tue Aug 06, 2002 11:09 am

Hi Lucy, Sounds like a really good idea asking for information on alternative treatment on the site. I for one will be interested in learning more about it. I know that you 've had lots of disappointments, but the way I look at it is that being able to try something new at certain points in the treatment can give renewed motivation. I have been following intently those taking asprin and vitamins etc, but dh and I have decided to give 'straight' ICSI another go before embarking on anything different so we can focus on having something as 'extra help' if it doesn't work - we've already decided there are quite a few to try, including also the acupuncture and assisted hatching, so (finances permitting) we're good for a few more goes yet. I also have spent much time wondering why, if there is nothing 'wrong' with me, I'm still not pg after 8 attempts. But even for someone 'normal' it can take upto 12. Obviously with IVF/ICSI, we are increasing the chances because the 'getting to the embryo' bit has already been bypassed, but we all need to keep battling on and believing it "can happen to me". I hope that I have been able to give some words of help, as you have been so helpful to me recently when we cycled together. Oh yeh, before I forget - what does the temperature chart tell you? I've come across one in the 'Fertility Awareness Pack' I got from Boots years ago (anyone else seen this and checks for gooeyness?) but the docs have never suggested one to me. Stay strong. Lots of hugs Fiona xxx

Jules · Post by **Jules** » Wed Aug 07, 2002 7:04 pm

Hi Lucy and Fiona Well done for raising the topic of alternative medicine again – the more I look into TCM the more positive it all sounds. It is this that keeps me going to my acupuncture each week and taking the evil brew! I read the article about Dr.Zhai in ISSUE with interest – would you mind my asking how much she charges for treatment Lucy? I assume it doesn't come cheap at Harley Street. I'm getting my treatment and herbs from a local chinese doctor, which isn't that cheap – £25 + VAT per acu session (which he says I need every week) and then a further £25 per week for the dreaded herbs. I have been advised to boil mine then simmer them for 15-20 mins rather than an hour?? Also I was wondering where you have the needles placed and does it hurt? I have mine put in my back, which isn't too painful, but he then sticks further ones in the sides of my calves and ankles which do hurt, then massages the back of my ankle area so hard afterwards it hurts just as much, and he ignores my squirms and yelps of pain and just carries on!! Lets hope it's all worth it for us all in the end! Fiona – I'll reply separately to your other msg and hope you're feeling ok now LOL Jules x

Lucy · Post by **Lucy** » Thu Aug 08, 2002 9:18 am

Hi I hope you are sitting down: Dr Zhai charges £120.00 for the initial consultation (45 MIN) that includes a blood test and she assesed me and DH. The herbs cost a further £100 for a 14 day supply. I have the evil brew twice a day and have to boil it for 40 minutes. I start the acupuncture next week. I know this treatment is doing me some good becasue I have to eat so much fruit after the evil brew to get rid of the taste! Each session now costs £80.00 and that includes acupuncture. I am to go every 2 or 3 weeks. So it's not cheap but I do have faith in the treatment I am recieving. best of luck to all Lucy

Jules · Post by **Jules** » Thu Aug 08, 2002 6:43 pm

Hi Lucy Thanks v much for you reply, I hope you didn't mind me asking about the Dr Zhai fees ( I regretted asking it afterwards thinking you must think I'm a right nosy cow!) She certainly doesn't come cheap but having read so many rave reviews about her clinic I agree with you that you are prob in the best possible hands for this kind of treatment. I live about an hour outside London so will prob persevere with my chinese doc this time round and see what happens. Have you tried holding your nose whilst taking the EB? It's the only way that works for me now! Take care LOL Jules x